September 10, 2008

HALIFAX:  Among decided voters, Peter Kelly continues to enjoy a comfortable lead over Sheila Fougere, according to the most recent survey conducted by Corporate Research Associates, Inc.  The gap between the two candidates for mayor has remained virtually unchanged since January of this year.  When given the choice between Peter Kelly and Sheila Fougere as mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, seven in ten decided voters choose Peter Kelly (71%, compared with 70% three months ago), and three in ten support Sheila Fougere (29%, compared with 30%). The number of HRM residents who are currently undecided, do not plan to vote, or refuse to state a preference currently stands at 35 percent (compared with 31% three months ago).

Regionally, support for Peter Kelly is highest in the rural area of the HRM outside of Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Sackville, while support for Sheila Fougere is highest in Halifax.

“Peter Kelly has what seems to be a lock on another term as mayor” according to Don Mills, President & CEO of CRA. “Without a significant and clearly defined issue to separate the two main candidates, it is unlikely that such a gap can be overcome in the remaining weeks leading up to the election”.

These results are part of the CRA Halifax Urban Report, an independent survey of Halifax Regional Municipality residents. The results are based on a sample of 401 adult residents, conducted from July 31 to August 15, 2008, with results accurate to within +4.9 percentage points, 95 out of 100 times.

For more information, please contact: Don Mills, President and CEO at (902) 722-3100.

Sample:  401 HRM residents (18 years plus)
Interview Dates: July 31 to August 15, 2008
Margin of Sampling Error: ±4.9 percentage points (95% confidence level)

« Back